MADISON, Wis. (June 5, 2026) – Freddie Jacobson and Søren Kjeldsen held sole possession of first place at 12-under par after the first round of the 2026 American Family Insurance Championship at TPC Wisconsin on Friday.
The pair combined to card 10 birdies and an eagle.
Two teams sit one stroke back in a tie for second: Rory Sabbatini and Brian Gay, and the duo of Richard Green and Mark Hensby.
For the second straight year, the AmFam Championship features a team format exclusive to the PGA TOUR Champions. After playing best ball Friday, teams will play a scramble format in Saturday’s second round before returning to best ball for Sunday’s final round.
“We got into a good rhythm, good momentum,” Kjeldsen said. “We alternated nicely. One guy made a putt and then the next guy. Freddie was sort of on fire in the middle of the round. We built up that momentum that you really need in this format.”
Multiple teams in contention
Fifteen teams finished the day within four strokes of the leaders. That group includes defending champion Darren Clarke, who is playing with new partner Ben Crane. Former AmFam Championship winner Ernie Els and partner Shane Bertsch finished day one in a tie for 12th at 8 under.
Tournament host and 2023 champion Steve Stricker and teammate Mario Tiziani ended the round at 6-under par, tied for 24th.
Madison native and two-time event champion Jerry Kelly and partner Justin Leonard wrapped the first round in 34th after shooting 4 under.
Other first round notes
- This is Kjeldsen’s second time leading or co-leading after the first round on PGA TOUR Champions. He co-led the 2025 Kaulig Companies Championship (finished T12). This is also Jacobson’s second time leading or co-leading after the first round on PGA TOUR Champions. He co-led the 2024 Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS (finished T10).
- Starting on No. 10, Rory Sabbatini/Brian Gay (T2) shot 28 on the back nine on their way to an 11-under 60.
- The Australian duo of Richard Green and Mark Hensby (T2) opened with an 11-under 60. The pair also teamed up at last year’s American Family Insurance Championship, finishing T15.
Celebrity Foursome Hosted by Andy North featuring Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Caroline “KK” Harvey
During the second round of the tournament on Saturday, the American Family Insurance Championship Celebrity Foursome Hosted by Andy North will feature Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame members Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson, along with two-time Olympian and standout ice hockey defenseman Caroline “KK” Harvey, who will tee it up with North.
Nelson replaces Larry Fitzgerald Jr., who was previously announced as a foursome participant. Fitzgerald withdrew from participation after the death of his father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., on Monday, June 1.
Additional notes and information
- Tee times for Saturday
- PGA TOUR Champions notes/leaderboard
Media contacts:
Janet Masters and Brandon Harrison
608-438-4317 / 608-719-8104
[email protected] / [email protected]
